Optical Interconnection Assembly for Spine-Leaf Network Scale-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional three-tier switch architectures in data centers, such as Core, Aggregation, and Access (CAA) networks, fail to provide low and equalized latency channels for East-West traffic, leading to underutilization of network capacity and increased complexity in Spine-and-Leaf network architectures, which require complex mesh topologies with numerous fibers and connectors, increasing costs and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical interconnection assembly with an array of simplex fiber optic cables and multi-fiber connector components that optically connect up to 16 Spine switches to one or more Leaf switches, providing a scalable and flexible network topology with improved data load balancing and reduced installation errors through a modular and systematic approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional three-tier CAA architecture is used, then network coverage is provided, but latency is high and network capacity is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional three-tier CAA architecture into a Spine-and-Leaf topology where network functions are distributed across multiple leaf switches connected to spine switches. This segmentation eliminates single points of congestion and provides multiple equal-cost paths, reducing latency and improving network capacity utilization through parallel data flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a hierarchical three-tier architecture to a two-dimensional mesh-like Spine-and-Leaf topology. This dimensional change creates multiple shortest paths between any two nodes, enabling load balancing and reducing latency by distributing traffic across parallel paths rather than forcing all traffic through aggregation layers.
2Speed
If Spine-and-Leaf architecture is implemented, then low latency and high bandwidth are achieved, but installation complexity increases due to complex mesh topology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-terminating optical fiber cables on patch panels before network deployment. This allows the complex Spine-and-Leaf mesh topology to be established through simple patch cord connections rather than complex in-situ fiber routing, significantly reducing installation complexity while maintaining the high-performance architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces patch panels as intermediary devices that simplify the implementation of Spine-and-Leaf topology. These patch panels serve as mediation points that organize and manage the complex interconnections between spine and leaf switches, transforming a potentially complex installation into a series of standardized, manageable connections.
3Productivity
If more Spine and Leaf switches are added to scale the network, then network capacity increases, but the number of fibers and connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical fiber connections into consolidated cable pathways and uses high-density patch panels to organize connections. This merging approach reduces the visible complexity and physical clutter of fibers and connectors while maintaining the full network capacity provided by the Spine-and-Leaf architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal patch panels and standardized connector types that can accommodate various Spine-and-Leaf configurations. This universality allows the same infrastructure components to serve multiple functions as the network scales, reducing the need for specialized components and managing the quantity of fibers and connectors more efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical interconnection assembly for a Spine-and-Leaf network is disclosed. The optical interconnection assembly has Spine multi-fiber optical connectors and Leaf multi-fiber optical connectors. The Spine optical connectors of the interconnection assembly are optically connected to multi-fiber connectors of Spine switches via Spine patch cords. The leaf multi-fiber connectors are optically connected to Leaf multi-fiber connectors of Leaf switches via Leaf patch cords. An array of simplex fiber optic cables in said interconnection assembly serve to optically connect every Spine multi-fiber connector to every Leaf multi-fiber connector so that every Spine switch is optically connected to every Leaf switch. The optical interconnection assembly facilitates network Spine-and-Leaf interconnections and the ability to scale-out the network by installing additional assemblies, Leaf switches, and Spine switches.